Drugs consumption van operator charged

A MAN operating a safe drugs consumption van in Glasgow city centre has been charged under drugs laws by the police.

Peter Krykant has been running the unit for several weeks providing a clean space for people who inject drugs to take them away from outdoor injecting.

Mr Krykant said two officers turned up at the van on Friday when there were three people inside.

He said the people two men and a woman were searched but not detained and he was then charged.

Mr Krykant said he has not been deterred from providing the service. He said: “The people were let go as they had no substances on their person.

“I continued the service and will carry one with it.

“I’ve had no complaints since setting up.”

Mr Krykant opened the van eight weeks ago and has been supported by volunteers to provide the space one day a week.

Last week the Glasgow Times reported how there had been 49 people using the site since he started.

It is situated yards from a well- known drug injection site in the city centre.

Paul Sweeney, former Glasgow

North East Labour MP, has volunteered at the site but was not there when Police attended.

He said: “This is deeply depressing. It could lead to people saying away and returning to the alleyways where it is less safe.

“Prosecuting possession is a waste of police resources.

“This could lead to a landmark decision if it before a Sheriff.”

Ms Krykant set up the van after a plan by Glasgow City Council and the health board for an official permanent site were blocked.

The Lord Advocate has said that while it was in his power, he wouldn’t direct police not to refer people caught with illegal drugs and said drug consumption rooms would require a change of the UK drugs laws.

The Home Office has repeatedly said it would not change laws that would condone or facilitate the taking of illegal drugs

A Police Scotland spokesperson said: “A 43- yearold man has been charged in connection with an offence under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 on Parnie Street in Glasgow during the morning of Friday, October 23, 2020.

“A report will be submitted to the Procurator Fiscal in due course.”